Cricket scam mars proceedings in J and K state assembly for second consecutive day

Jammu,
Tue, 13 Mar 2012ANI

Jammu, Mar 13 (ANI): Several state lawmakers voiced their ire on Tuesday against Renewable Energy Minister and President of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) Farooq Abdullah following accusations of his involvement in embezzling funds meant for the JKCA.

According to media reports, the JKCA admitted the irregularities after the discovery of at least two false accounts.

Assembly Speaker Mohammad Akbar Lone's efforts to pacify the legislators fared poorly as tensions gave way to a mild scuffle.

On Monday members of state opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) led by Mehbooba Mufti staged a walkout over the issue.

Two JKCA officials, including the general secretary, Ahsan Mirza, and chief administrative officer, Saleem Khan, have been ousted from the cricket board and ordered to deposit the maximum amount of the money, which had been siphoned, by March 20.

Abdullah stressed that the body's priority is to retrieve the money. (ANI)

|Watson has done an "outstanding" job in leading Oz ODI squad in Clarke's absence: Arthur |Sports[Melbourne{Melbourne, Mar 13(ANI): Australian cricket coach Mickey Arthur has reckoned that Shane Watson has done an "outstanding" job and exceeded expectations in leading the ODI squad in Michael Clarke's absence.

"Shane's been really good, he has been outstanding. He's led very well, he's led with authority. He's almost performed above expectation in that area, which is great," The Age quoted Arthur, as saying.

Arthur said the hamstring injury that has ruled Clarke out of the one-day series in the Caribbean could prove a silver lining by giving Watson the experience to become a captain in future.

"If things happen to Clarkey we want to have an able vice-captain who can take over.e's also a vice-captain playing all forms of the game. Shane ... can give huge support to Michael through the Tests and ODIs and to George Bailey through the Twenty20s," he added.

Arthur described foreign conditions and a largely unknown opposition as biggest challenges confronting the Australian squad.

"An unknown opposition does present more challenges. They can hit you hard up front and we could be chasing our tails for the rest of the series. We've got the week now to make sure in all disciplines we're right to go on Friday," he added. (ANI)